Bruce, always room for Buddy Rich & Max Roach. And as for a small symphony orchestra...no problem at all. Your poem (or could it be a lyric?) has touched Ann & I very deeply...it's exquisite & so totally personal. Ann & I have good days & bad...good moments & bad...it's the waiting & not really knowing that insidiously wears away at one, bit by little bit. Ann is crafting, I'm composing, the daily chores ARE now getting done...but our 'Big Reality' is never far away. We can keep it at bay for just so long & then, like some great emotional tsunami, it invades our every conscious thought. We're coping, but it doesn't get any easier. Without our Dear Mudcat Friends, we really would be cut adrift. With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

I would like to add 'La Boutine Souriante' to our roster of musicians. Their Music is so redolent with sun & joy, it fits perfectly with this beautiful afternoon in London. With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

Absolutely agree CL...Praline...Chocolate Chip...good old Vanilla. There is a wonderful Italian Ice Cream Parlour near us where they make all their own products on the premises...has to be the best in the World! With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

Joe has thoughtfully added my name to the end of thread title to aid similar thread differentiation...thanks Joe.

Ann & I spent many happy hours with Jane & her friend Gill yesterday. Jane has returned from Dubai, invigorated & refreshed...she was a joy to behold...&, once again, the sun shone all day! With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

Kind friends all gathered 'round, there's something I would say: That what brings us together here has blessed us all today. Love has made a circle that holds us all inside; Where strangers are as family, loneliness can't hide.

You must give yourself to love if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

I've walked these mountains in the rain and learned to love the wind; I've been up before the sunrise to watch the day begin. I always knew I'd find you, though I never did know how; Like sunshine on a cloudy day, you stand before me now.

So give yourself to love if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

Love is born in fire; it's planted like a seed. Love can't give you everything, but it gives you what you need. And love comes when you're ready, love comes when you're afraid; It'll be your greatest teacher, the best friend you have made.

So give yourself to if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

Give yourself to love, if love is what you're after; Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter, And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

Dear Freda, thank you very much indeed for posting a song that fits this thread so perfectly. Simply but beautifully sung by Holly Hanson too. I wrote recently that Jane had returned from Dubai, refreshed & invigorated...this is turning out to be something of an understatement. Ann & I saw her Sunday last & again today...her conversation is animated, very little now seems to be 'off limits'. There is an abundance of humour & a genuine desire to communicate openly & frankly. The transformation in her demeanour is nothing short of amazing. Jane's oncologist told her today that what was to be a six session chemo treatment plan had been shortened to four, so yesterday's session has turned out to be her last. She will be monitored closely on a 'maintenance programme' from now on. What I wrote earlier too, about learning to live with her cancer is becoming a reality...Ann & I can scarcely believe our eyes & ears. With Love, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx

Thank you for that cascade of good wishes. Ann & I are also learning to live with Jane's cancer. That whole process just got a little easier. I recently received a PM that has touched me very deeply. It reminded me that all you Good People have your own problems & anxieties to cope with & yet you still find time for Jane & Ann & me. I'm left feeling humbled & profoundly grateful & a little guilty too. The words to express what I'm feeling right now escape me for the moment. You truly are the greatest set of friends a man or woman could wish for. There is nothing 'virtual' about this...for Ann & I, it's as real as it gets. The piece of Music that celebrates our Friendship is taking longer to finish than I had imagined...it's leading me to Musical Places I had not planned for, although there's nothing fundamentally wrong with that, providing I keep a gentle hand on the tiller. With Love to You All, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxxx

Bruce, my apologies, I meant to respond far quicker than this. Your earlier post had me laughing out loud...something that has been in rather short supply of late. Thank you for the laughter, it was a real tonic...should be available 'over the counter', free of charge! Ann & I wish You & your Beloved Wife the best of weekends, With Love, Nigel & Ann. xxxxxxxxx

PS: Don't forget, if you want to wake up with a smile on your face, go to bed with a coat-hanger in your mouth!

Ann has been staying with Jane these past two weeks. By all accounts, they have enjoyed every moment spent together. Jane is allowed to drive, so apart from shopping, they have also been able to explore some of the lovely Surrey countryside. We all met for lunch yesterday (Sunday). We chatted non-stop & there was plenty of laughter. It's good to see & hear Jane laughing...laughter & Jane are synonymous. When she received her initial diagnosis in January, there was precious little to laugh at. Things are not so desperate at the moment, our Ship has entered calmer waters, but stay close...check in when you can...post the occasional "Hi, I'm still here" type of thing...it all contributes to the overall support you have provided so generously & selflessly, With Love to You All, Nigel & Ann xxxxxxxxx